When taking out the rear drain plug (next to the rudder) on my islander, I noticed a certain difficulty, and when I went to put it back in, I couldn't do so because of the holes being almost completely stripped! I ended up re-inserting the plugs with the help of a wrench, and have had to use a hand pump to drain the yak ever since... Iâ€™m thinking about installing a separate drain plug, but am wondering if itâ€™s worth the trouble, or whether I should just stick with the pumpâ€¦

I have also noticed this problem with the seat drains, but I usually leave those open, since I'll end up soaked anyways.

_________________If it isn't broken, take it apart and fix it anyways!

The plugs have a built in retainer -- check to see that it isn't accidentally wrapped back into the threads of the plug. This will make it almost impossible to operate. Here's an example of a wrapped up plug retainer (they're supposed to extend straight out).

When I first got my Islands I always used the drain plugs, but after breaking a rudder pin (it wasn't the main cause) and looking at how the hull had to be held to get all the water out, I started pumping and then using a sponge for the rest. Seems to be quicker, safer (AND LIGHTER)!

when driving from 200' to over 5000' expanison in the ama. On the return trip the ama will suck in... if not vented..requiring continued use of the plugs. the reason I do not like to operate them is that continue use causes wear and possible misalingment. Once the threads are worn??What then...leakage...pumping